UL fuel efficient cook system

[bradmacmt]

So I took delivery of a Fire Maple G3 this week, and got to work modifying it.

Pot with everything including lid: 5.89 oz’s


Lid: 1.02 oz’s



Without lid: 4.87 oz's



I drilled out the handle: 0.90 oz’s



Pot bare, without handle: 3.92 oz’s



I cut the top off right at the bottom rivet hole: 0.85 oz’s



“New” pot: 3.01 oz’s



I sanded the top smooth starting with 150 grit, 200, then 400 Emery and 600 Emery. I also eased the edges on both the inside and outside with 400 and 600 - super smooth!

Next I recycled an old Jetboil Ti Cozy, and cut it to 2.5″ tall. "Standard" Jetboil cozy's are a bit thicker/heavier. I finished it with a lid from a Medium sized Ziploc container that I use on my Sterno Inferno HX pot.

The G3 pot holds exactly 600ml to the very top of the pot, so 550 ml would be about the max you’d want to boil in it.

Cozy: 0.32 oz’s



Pot, Cozy and Lid: 3.51 oz’s

 

[bradmacmt]

For reference my modified Sterno Inferno pot with slots cut (it holds 650ml to the top):



Here’s the "G3-SHORT" with 95mm Toaks Ti lid rather than Ziploc lid: 3.98 oz / 112.8g

 

[bradmacmt]

The Sterno Inferno pot is modified to work with the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe. The Fire Maple G3-SHORT works with the Soto Windmaster and Triflex pot support. However, either will work with either, but the slots on the G3 should be cut open slightly to better accommodate the PRDLX.

The Soto WIndmaster with Triflex support is .55 oz's lighter than the Pocket Rocket Deluxe. However, I tested both stoves for multiple boils at different power levels with both pots, and the PRDLX was very slightly more fuel efficient with both pots (around 0.6g less fuel used on average when boiling 500ml H2O ).

Both pots are essentially the same width, with the Inferno being 3/16" wider, but the G3 has more fins. I found both pots to have essentially identical results in terms of fuel consumption and boil times when using the same/same stove with each pot.

 

[bradmacmt]

Another DIY project of mine was making a windscreen for the PRDLX. Wind is the real nemesis of fuel efficiency. I made it out of a Snowpeak Ti bowl (I've been using it now for over 4 years):





With Dutchware Batchtove IMUSA Pot Lid:

 

[bradmacmt]

Obviously the Sterno Inferno is a discontinued product (I have two). If you keep an eye out, you can find them new and used.

However, the Fire Maple G3-SHORT is a great alternative, and coupled with the 1 oz DIY Snowpeak Ti windscreen and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe, you have a HE (Heat Exchange) combo that is as efficient, more windproof, and lighter than a stripped-down Jetboil Ti (now long discontinued and stupid expensive on ebay - I know, I just sold one of mine there for $250!).

Or - just run the Soto Windmaster w/Triflex and FM G3-SHORT w/out a windscreen and save an additional 1.55 oz over the PRDLX / SP Ti WIndscreen combo.

 

[bradmacmt]

Dutchware 10cm Lid:

Batchstovez IMUSA Pot Lids | DutchWare Gear

These lids are made by Batchstovez and are designed to fit the IMUSA pots. Anodized Finish Fits Batchstovez 10cm / 12cm cook pot

dutchwaregear.com

Toaks 95mm lid for G3-SHORT:

TOAKS Titanium Lid

TOAKS provides lid replacement for its product line.

www.toaksoutdoor.com

Snowpeak Ti Bowl for MSR PRDLX Windscreen:

Trek Titanium Bowl

The Titanium Trek Bowl was made in Japan using a historic manufacturing process. Ultralight and sleek, yet durable, the Trek Bowl is a perfect addition to a backcountry, camp or everyday dining set. Pair the Titanium Trek Bowl with the Titanium Spork or Titanium Trek Plate.

www.snowpeak.com

 

[bradmacmt]

Sterno Inferno W/ Dutchware Lid: 4.72 oz's

 

[bradmacmt]

Snowpeak Trek Bowl Ti Windscreen: 1.01 oz's

 

[bradmacmt]

Here's the “manufacturing” process for the windscreen – Dremel cutoff and grinding wheels with various grits sandpaper to finish. I cut the bowl down to 1-3/8″ tall (as measured from the outside).


Make a template first, cut it out, and transfer it to the Ti bowl (the photo here was version 1.0 - a different bowl and I made smaller slots. I moved on the the Snowpeak bowl - version 2.0 - which is lighter and taller. I also enlarged the slots to 1/4" wide for better breathability and easy on-off):



The critical area is the space between the pot support arms and the burner cutout. You want these tight to the pot support arms. Cutout slowly and enlarge as needed. This is the only place that supports the windscreen and you don’t want it wobbly:



The bowl is cut to 1-3/8" tall:



Because the Pot supports are each uniquely directional, I etched an arrow where the on/off valve goes (I put one inside the windscreen too). That gets the arms mated to their specific cutout slots:

 

[bradmacmt]

So anyway, I vomited out a lot of info here, hope any of it is helpful. I got my first backpacking stove in 1974, a Svea 123. Paid $11.25 at REI. I still have it and it's going strong, but the world of gear has changed a bit in 50 years lol...

 

[HighUintas]

Obviously the Sterno Inferno is a discontinued product (I have two). If you keep an eye out, you can find them new and used.

However, the Fire Maple G3-SHORT is a great alternative, and coupled with the 1 oz DIY Snowpeak Ti windscreen and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe, you have a HE (Heat Exchange) combo that is as efficient, more windproof, and lighter than a stripped-down Jetboil Ti (now long discontinued and stupid expensive on ebay - I know, I just sold one of mine there for $250!).

Or - just run the Soto Windmaster w/Triflex and FM G3-SHORT w/out a windscreen and save an additional 1.55 oz over the PRDLX / SP Ti WIndscreen combo.

What is the width of the g3 short im comparison to the sterno?

I think part of the reason the sterno tends to be more efficient is width.

 

[HighUintas]

So anyway, I vomited out a lot of info here, hope any of it is helpful. I got my first backpacking stove in 1974, a Svea 123. Paid $11.25 at REI. I still have it and it's going strong, but the world of gear has changed a bit in 50 years lol...

Thank you for sharing. This is good information.

That Ti pot windscreen still allows the burner to burn and draft properly? It seems like it would want to snuff itself.... It looks like there's almost no venting for the fresh air to draft up through the bottom of the screen

 

[bradmacmt]

What is the width of the g3 short im comparison to the sterno?

I think part of the reason the sterno tends to be more efficient is width.

Perhaps I wasn't clear - I didn't say the Sterno Inferno pot is more efficient than the G3 pot - what I meant was the Pocket Rocket Deluxe is slightly more efficient than the Soto Windmaster. I edited the post above to reflect this.

I tested both stoves for multiple boils at different power levels with both pots, and the PRDLX was very slightly more efficient with both pots (around 0.6g less fuel used on average when boiling 500ml H2O).

Both pots are essentially the same width, with the Inferno being 3/16" wider, but the G3 has more fins. I found both pots to have essentially identical results in terms of fuel consumption and boil times when using the same/same stove with each pot.

 

[bradmacmt]

Thank you for sharing. This is good information.

That Ti pot windscreen still allows the burner to burn and draft properly? It seems like it would want to snuff itself.... It looks like there's almost no venting for the fresh air to draft up through the bottom of the screen

You bet. Happy to share.

I've used the Ti windscreen for over 4 years so I'm pretty sure I'd have found a problem with it by now - I've used it with a wide variety of pots, in a variety of conditions. No problems ever. There's plenty of room around it for breathing.

 

[bradmacmt]

Side Note -
Sterno Inferno has 28 HE Fins
Fire Maple G3 has 30 HE Fins
Jetboil Sol Ti has 42 HE Fins

In past testing I found the Sol Ti uses less fuel than the Inferno. I assume the same will be true compared to the FM G3.

My next round of testing will be to introduce controlled wind to see how well each pot stove combo handles wind (without a windscreen). Then I will test both pots with the PRDLX and Ti windscreen.

 

[prm]

I like that windscreen for the PRDLX.

Edit: any guess as to the difference in boil time using the PRDLX with an MSR Titan Kettle vs. the Fire Maple G3? I have not seen too big a difference with my Jetboil Zip vs. PRDLX/Titan.

 

[Dobermann]

Side Note -
Sterno Inferno has 28 HE Fins
Fire Maple G3 has 30 HE Fins
Jetboil Sol Ti has 42 HE Fins

In past testing I found the Sol Ti uses less fuel than the Inferno. I assume the same will be true compared to the FM G3.

My next round of testing will be to introduce controlled wind to see how well each pot stove combo handles wind (without a windscreen). Then I will test both pots with the PRDLX and Ti windscreen.

Thanks for all of the info above - what a treat!

Coincidentally, I heard from Jon at Flat Cat Gear today that he's experimenting with an HX model. Seeing as he's cut down pots before too, will be interesting to see what he comes up with.

Also, I specifically asked his thoughts about the Petrels vs other models (especially as he'd spoken highly of the Widesea a year and a half ago, and as the thread I posted earlier said that the Flash was the most efficient) - Jon said that he'd go with the G2 or G3. I'll ask him more about why those vs the Flash and Widesea and report back.

 

[bradmacmt]

prm, good to hear from you!

Overall, I'd expect about 25% less fuel used with a HE pot, and sometimes as much as 30%. In my "kitchen conditions" (5,010' elevation, 500ml 42*F Water, 69*F Air Temp) My guess is about 6-6.5g to heat 500ml with the G3 and about 8-8.5g fuel with the Titan.

I like that windscreen for the PRDLX.

Edit: any guess as to the difference in boil time using the PRDLX with an MSR Titan Kettle vs. the Fire Maple G3? I have not seen too big a difference with my Jetboil Zip vs. PRDLX/Titan.

 

[bradmacmt]

Hi @Dobermann, Jon Fong is a wealth of information and good guy.

He's seen this modified G3 and told me he's planning on doing the same thing. We correspond over at backpackinglight where I've put most of the above in a variety of posts over the years. It was a quiet, cold Sunday morning yesterday and I thought it might be nice to share my fiddlings here. Glad you found them helpful!

Thanks for all of the info above - what a treat!

Coincidentally, I heard from Jon at Flat Cat Gear today that he's experimenting with an HX model. Seeing as he's cut down pots before too, will be interesting to see what he comes up with.

Also, I specifically asked his thoughts about the Petrels vs other models (especially as he'd spoken highly of the Widesea a year and a half ago, and as the thread I posted earlier said that the Flash was the most efficient) - Jon said that he'd go with the G2 or G3. I'll ask him more about why those vs the Flash and Widesea and report back.

 

[bradmacmt]

BTW, I used a compound miter saw (chop saw) to cut the G3 pot. It takes some shimming and leveling at the backstop and underneath to get the pot straight, plumb and level for a good cut. I used a small bubble level, and speed level to accomplish this, along with drywall shim pieces, but any stiff, non-spongy material will work - you just need to be able to add subtract pieces to get the pot trued.